Last Saturday, we gathered alongside our loved ones and colleagues (the categories sometimes overlap) for the 19th annual Laudisi Family Christmas Party. Compared to our yearly Summer Picnic, characterized by flying frisbees, playful puppers, bountiful bbq, and the sweet smell of fine Virginias wafting through the open air, the company-wide gathering was a more formal affair, with partygoers dressed to the nines in suits and ties, ball gowns, and even one very snazzy tracksuit. Of course, much of the elegant attire was determined by this year's theme, which added an additional layer of intrigue and fun to the event in the form of masquerade.

Punctuated by a spread of drinks, delicious catering, aged tobacco, and live music (courtesy of Pete Kogler, professional musician and our talented videographer), the party was not only a lively celebration of the year's achievements, but a humble reflection on our position in the industry and hobby at large. We are privileged and thankful to be where we are, to have the luxury of providing the best pipes, tobacco, and accessories to such an incredibly engaging, thoughtful, and loyal group of clients.

However, it wasn't all about you; we have our selfish moments, and we wanted to have fun. All year we work hard, concentrating on pipes, talking about pipes, examining pipes, and we rarely talk among ourselves about anything else. Although pipes certainly monopolized many conversations, because we're all ridiculously enthusiastic, Christmas parties are wonderful events for learning more about the people we work with, their hobbies and interests, hopes and dreams, challenges, tribulations, and triumphs. Those subjects don't often come up in business-hours conversation, and we like to socialize as much as anyone. The stories and adventures of our intrepid group of pipe purveyors filled the air of our Christmas party, mixing with the sweet scents of every different pipe tobacco and cigar, and accentuating the wide variety of backgrounds that help our staff do what they do.

2018 saw some pretty big changes and obstacles for our company: Cornell & Diehl moved into a new, much larger facility just down the road; we assumed operations of Kapp & Peterson in Ireland; and we braved near catastrophic flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence. 2019, by comparison, was a quiet year. Smokingpipes.com and Laudisi as a whole saw no massive changes; no one was even forced to row to work in a canoe. Instead, we spent the last year honing our processes and products in silent incremental improvement. We only hope that our efforts this year have helped improve your experience. None of it would be possible without you all, and for that you forever have our enduring gratitude.

Below you'll find some of our favorite photographs from the party. We may not have been able to smoke with you this year, but perhaps, as you're browsing through these photos, we can share in a pipe and celebrate together this wonderful pipe community.